Despite what the South Park guys identified as chronic "roneriness", Kim Jong Il's health is just fine, thankyouverymuch. At least that's what the Dear Leader's propaganda machine is insisting. Stroke? Don't even suggest it. Seriously. They'll arrest you.
This past week, an envoy of journalists were given a controlled, guided tour illustrating the country's booming economy and happy populace, of course. This is how an Asia Times reporter recounted his trip to Pyongyang:]]>
We already reported that the Gumball 3000 rally stopped by the Arirang Mass Games in North Korea, but video of the adventure just leaked out on YouTube.
Think Beijing's Bird's Nest is big, with its seating for 91,000? Try the May Day Stadium in Pyongyang, where 150,000 spectators watch 100,000 performers during the Mass Games.
The full video is a little long, but just seeing Bam Margera's baffled face as he negotiates the closed country makes it worth watching!]]>
Walking around on the beach is usually only dangerous if a giant wave attacks or a shark decides to walk on land, but in slightly scary North Korea things can be a bit different.
Tourists from South Korea are allowed to travel to two tightly guarded spots in North Korea, one of them being the mountain resort of Mount Keumgang. Over the weekend a 53-year-old South Korean woman was shot dead there by a North Korean soldier because she crossed the boundary line of the resort during a walk on the beach.
Some sources say she ran towards her hotel once the guards approached her, while others say she was walking deep into the prohibited zone. Whatever the case, it's a reminder that although they can do some incredible crowd choreography, those North Koreans can be a really sinister bunch.
Related Stories:
· North Korean Soldier Kills South Korean Tourist [CNN]
· Can You Still Travel to North Korea? [Jaunted]
· Communist Choreography in North Korea [Jaunted]
[Photo: litlnemo]]]>
Wired has a gallery featuring photos of some of the world's "most impressive" subway systems. Moscow clearly wins best in show with "chandeliers, marble moldings and elaborate murals" in some of the city's stations. Opulent subways must be a Communist thing, because Moscow's seems quite similar to the infamous Pyongyang Metro in North Korea.
Perhaps Pyongyang's public transit system was missing from Wired's list because foreigners are only allowed to tour it on closely guarded single-station trips. Still, the photos that have emerged from the secretive North Korean subway show more chandeliers, marble columns and great propaganda murals such as "The Great Leader Kim Il Sung Among Workers."
If seeing inspirational artwork during your morning commute doesn't get your day started off right, maybe you'd prefer a refreshing river cruise?
Related Stories:
· Gallery: The World's Most Impressive Subways [Wired]
· Pyongyang Metro [Official Site]
· Public Transportation coverage [Jaunted]
[Photo of the Pyongyang Metro: Pricey]]]>
You might've thought that when Bush called North Korea a member of the "Axis of Evil" that he killed your chances to ever visit the world's most reclusive country. But every year between August and October the so-called Democratic People's Republic of Korea will grant visas to US citizens so they can attend the Mass Games--a colorful, tightly choreographed gymnastics display involving almost 100,000 performers.
Unfortunately, tours of the DPRK are just about as choreographed. Regime-approved guides keep a close eye on what travelers do, say and take photos of, and they certainly won't break from the party line if asked questions about the quality of life in the country.
That doesn't mean it won't be a fascinating experience, just don't plan on heading off willy-nilly with your point-and-shoot. Tourists supposedly have to yield their passport and plane ticket out of the country to the police during their trip.]]>
There is also an honourary degree from "Kensington University, USA" A google search on this revealed it had since lost its license for handing out degrees it was not entitled to....and on an audio tour of the palace
Next room is surely one of the highlights of the trip. To tell you the truth I cannot remember exactly what was in the room but as you enter you are given a small cassette player which has a commentary about KIS on it in English narrated by an English guy. The guy becomes more and more hysterical as he is speaking, at one point describing how "the people of the world were so devastated at the Great Leaders death that they wept tears that turned to crystal that became part of the marble you now stand on".He's also got a Photobucket account with pictures of his trip. Of course, you shouldn't expect to see anything besides officially approved photo sites. Feel free to address us as "Dear Blogger" in the comments from now on.
Yes, and with all the current nuclear testing strife, we are sure this year's low season (November - March) will be, um, low.
If you are American, South Korean, or of South Korean origin, forget it. Without some sort of super special exemption you will have to holiday elsewhere.
One important exception to this rule, a handful of Americans do get to attend the world famous Arirang Festival, which is held between August 10 and October 10 every year. However, tour organizers are still awaiting word from the DPRK on if this will be the case in 2007 and beyond, so stay tuned.
Journalists, or those suspected of being journalists will have to obtain special permission to visit North Korea. Regardless of who you are, if you want to tour the DPRK you will need to book through a North Korean travel agency--no exceptions. Travel to North Korea is only possible as part of a guided tour, which is organized by the Korean Friendship Association--we kid you not--who kindly answer many questions about touring their country here.]]>